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Memories & Candles

“Dear Sandy and Family, How sad Jim and I are to hear of Ray's passing. What a great fellow he was. When Dad passed away I received the following...Read More »
”
1 of 10 | Posted by: Jim & Louella Gallin - Orlando, FL

“Sandy,Greg and family,Presley too: We are deeply saddened by your loss and will miss Ray very very much. We will never forget his always smiling...Read More »
”
2 of 10 | Posted by: The Gauthier's - Holyoke, MA

“So Sorry for your loss.I don't know if you will remember me but you once lived in my folks home at 174 Marion Street in Spfld. MA I remember Richard...Read More »
”
5 of 10 | Posted by: Ronnie Bushey - Oxford, FL

“Mrs. Burgess, RJ, Greg, Jeff & Family, I was saddened to hear about Ray's passing. I hope and pray that each of you, and all those who were...Read More »
”
6 of 10 | Posted by: Traci Gordner - Ludlow, MA

“Our condolences to Sandy and all the Burgess family on Ray's passing. I worked with Ray when he started @ Ultrasonic TV in Aldenville and helped him...Read More »
”
7 of 10 | Posted by: Art & Rita Geoffroy - FL

“Sandy, Greg, Jeff and everyone, I was so stunned to see this! Gosh, I loved him so much. I know that no words will help at this time but I am SO...Read More »
”
8 of 10 | Posted by: Patty Koontz Liardi - New Windsor, NY

“Ray was an amazing, caring, loving man who was always there me. I had the pleasure of working for him for over 6 years. I learned so much from him...Read More »
”
9 of 10 | Posted by: Melissa Hartling - Holyoke, MA

“No matter how bad of a day your having, with Ray's ray of sunshine and his funny personality he could always make me smile. He will sadly be missed....Read More »
”
10 of 10 | Posted by: Cathy Newsome - Holyoke, MA

Sympathy Flowers

South Hadley, Raymond Hall Burgess, 63, of Mountainview St., died peacefully surrounded by many who loved him. Born in Waltham, January 9, 1948, he was the son of Harry and Priscilla (Hall) Burgess, and has lived in S. Hadley for 36 years. "Big Ray", as he was familiarly known, founded Astro Electronics/ Video which began in Aldenville 42 years ago, branching into numerous locations including Holyoke where the home office is currently located. Among the many ways Ray will be remembered is for his generous and positive spirit, his love of all things Elvis, and his all encompassing love and devotion to family. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 36 years, Sandra (Paquette) Burgess, along with his children, R.J. of W. Springfield, Greg Belisle and his wife Rosemarie of W. Springfield, Gretchen Collins and her husband Shane of Westfield, and Jeffrey Belisle and his wife Julianne of Norwell. He also leaves 4 precious grandchildren, Cody and Katilyn Collins, and Benjamin and Isabel Belisle along with his siblings, Richard Burgess and his wife Susan, Nancy Woods, Patricia Lick, and her husband Vic, and David Burgess and his wife Anne, along with several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his mother in law Sylvia Paquette of Chicopee. A service to celebrate the life Ray lived will be Saturday, Feb. 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story S. Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St., (Rte 116). Friends may pay respects to the family on Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. The family requests that donations be made in Ray's memory to Sol Amor Hospice , 415 Boston Turnpike Ste. 3, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. For online guest book, please visit www.beersandstory.com.

Memories & Candles

Dear Sandy and Family, How sad Jim and I are to hear of Ray's passing. What a great fellow he was. When Dad passed away I received the following quote in a letter. I found it profound, and I share it with you now, "To Live in Hearts we leave behind-Is not to die"-- Thomas Campbell. With heart felt sympathy.

Posted by: Jim & Louella Gallin - Orlando, FL Mar 01, 2011

Sandy,Greg and family,Presley too: We are deeply saddened by your loss and will miss Ray very very much. We will never forget his always smiling face and jovial sense of humour. please do not hesitate to call us (315-3559) if there is anything we can do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time. Ray,Cindy,Joe and Tyler.

Posted by: The Gauthier's - Holyoke, MA Feb 22, 2011

Sandra and Family, What wonderful memories I have of you and Ray. Memories of wonderful parties in your beautiful home, your incredible pool, fun with Ray Guilmette while I was married to Roger! But most of all the wonderful friendship and happiness between you and Ray - You will never know how special meeting you and Ray were to me. Losing Ray is a big loss to the community, to all whose lives Ray touched - from Astro Video and

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Sandra and Family, What wonderful memories I have of you and Ray. Memories of wonderful parties in your beautiful home, your incredible pool, fun with Ray Guilmette while I was married to Roger! But most of all the wonderful friendship and happiness between you and Ray - You will never know how special meeting you and Ray were to me. Losing Ray is a big loss to the community, to all whose lives Ray touched - from Astro Video and beyond. I give you my sincerest sympathy Sandra and my heart. You both are loved and Ray will be very missed. I am so sorry. Fondly, Judy

Posted by: Judy Breault - Chicopee, MA Feb 20, 2011

Dear Sandy & children......Dick & Sue, Was so sorry to hear from your son about Ray' passing. I will always remember the summer & pool parties many years ago.....also all of the family functions I was included in. Ray was very generous to the community for many years....always sponsoring a team somewhere or the Alumni Band !!! I'm sorry I won't be able to attend Ray's memorial service Sat. AM due to my work schedule in CT, but will think of all of you. Sincerely, PAUL BOURQUE

Posted by: Paul Bourque - Windsor Locks, CT Feb 19, 2011

So Sorry for your loss.I don't know if you will remember me but you once lived in my folks home at 174 Marion Street in Spfld. MA I remember Richard, Nancy and Raymond the best as we all kind of grew up together.

Posted by: Ronnie Bushey - Oxford, FL Feb 18, 2011

Mrs. Burgess, RJ, Greg, Jeff & Family, I was saddened to hear about Ray's passing. I hope and pray that each of you, and all those who were blessed to know Ray, will have strength during this time of loss.

Posted by: Traci Gordner - Ludlow, MA Feb 17, 2011

Our condolences to Sandy and all the Burgess family on Ray's passing. I worked with Ray when he started @ Ultrasonic TV in Aldenville and helped him open his first store at the former Ultrasonic store, we had many good times with him, he was a great guy and a lot of fun to be with, he will be missed.

Posted by: Art & Rita Geoffroy - St.Petersburg, FL Feb 17, 2011

Sandy, Greg, Jeff and everyone, I was so stunned to see this! Gosh, I loved him so much. I know that no words will help at this time but I am SO VERY SORRY! I am hoping to make it up for the services on Saturday. Please know, you are ALL in my thoughts and prayers. Love you guys..

Posted by: Patty Koontz Liardi - New Windsor, NY Feb 16, 2011

Ray was an amazing, caring, loving man who was always there me. I had the pleasure of working for him for over 6 years. I learned so much from him and wouldn't be who I am today without him. He will truly be missed. Sandy, all my love goes out to you and your family.

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